bkr wrote in
:

snip
This is good information, thanks a lot. I think I'm using a water
based varnish, but I'm not sure. I'll have to check it out.

What brand and product is on the can?

Some names are deceptive. Waterlox, for example, is not generally water-
based. It does have a gelling property, not entirely unlike what you cite.

Patriarch